Traceability solutions specialist FibreTrace reports that it has secured a European patent for its “Photon Marker System in Fibre Material”. The company, whose technology enables companies to monitor the movement of textile goods throughout the supply chain, attained a US patent for the same solution in 2019.
The new European patent – EP3538692 – represents another step forward for the Singapore-based company to pioneer a wholly traceable and transparent era of sustainable textiles, combining physical and digital traceability with the power of authentication.
FibreTrace works by embedding luminescent pigments on the fibre, right at the raw source or spinning mill. The pigment bonds and is indestructible throughout the entire textile processing cycle. The luminescent dye is non-toxic and has no impact on the product; it has been tested and passed safety standards for human skin contact. The pigments can be read and tracked at every stage of the supply chain through handheld hardware or an inline device that scans and reads the brand’s personal signature created in the luminescent pigment. Each audit is recorded on the blockchain. It is secure and accessible. Scans, or audits, are recorded in real-time across the product journey to see at every step of the way.
FibreTrace applies to cotton, responsible viscose and recycled polyester; this year, the company should complete trials on wool, leather and bast fibres.
«It’s encouraging to see the rapid pace that the global fashion and interiors industries are moving towards completely transparent and traceable solutions. Finalising the European Patent for FibreTrace is recognition for the hard work, research and development of our team, which provides brands and manufacturers full confidence in the origin of fibre and integrity in their claims» said Danielle Statham, co-founder of FibreTrace.
FibreTrace received its US Patent – US Patent 10,247,667 B2 – issued for the “Photon Markers in Fibre Materials” on April 2nd, 2019.
